What To Do With Pokémon Card Bulk: From Drab to Fab!

You’ve ripped open countless booster packs, maybe even a whole booster box, chasing that elusive Charizard or the thrill of a God Pack. The thrill was real, the dopamine was pumping, but now you’re left with a mountain of… well, stuff.

A veritable Snorlax-sized pile of commons, uncommons, and non-holo rares that you have absolutely no idea what to do with.

It’s a familiar scene for any Pokémon TCG collector. Your prized pulls are sleeved and tucked away safely in a binder, but the bulk remains, silently judging you from a corner of the room. It feels wasteful to just throw them away, right? These are still Pokémon cards, after all!

Fear not, fellow trainer, for I am here to guide you through the tall grass of your collection. Your bulk is not a burden; it’s an opportunity. Let’s explore the many ways you can transform that pile of potential into something amazing.

Sort and Seek for Hidden Gems

Before you do anything else, the first step is always to sort. I know, I know, it sounds about as exciting as watching a Metapod use Harden for the fiftieth time, but you might be surprised at what you find. Go through your cards and separate them by rarity. You can learn all about Pokémon card rarities and their symbols in our detailed guide. While most of your bulk will be commons (circles) and uncommons (diamonds), you might find some non-holo rares (stars) or even some interesting parallel set cards that you overlooked.

This is also the perfect time to keep an eye out for any oddities. Does a card look a little… off? You might have a miscut or error card, which can sometimes be more valuable than you’d think!

Build a “Gym Leader” Deck

Have you ever wanted to be a Gym Leader? Of course you have! Now’s your chance. Use your bulk to build a variety of themed decks. You could create a mono-type deck for each of the Pokémon types, just like the leaders in the games. Imagine having a fiery Arcanine deck, a shocking Boltund deck, and a spooky Gengar deck all ready to go for a casual game night with friends.

This is a fantastic way to actually play the game without worrying about the high-stakes meta of competitive play. It’s pure, simple fun. Not sure how to read a Pokémon card to understand its attacks and abilities? We’ve got you covered. This is also a great way to appreciate the different types of Pokémon cards, from Basic Pokémon to Trainer cards.

Create Pokémon Card Art

Unleash your inner artist! Your bulk cards can be the perfect medium for some incredible craft projects. The possibilities are as vast as the history of Pokémon TCG sets. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Mosaics and Collages: Use the art boxes of the cards to create a large-scale mosaic of your favorite Pokémon. You can cut them into shapes or use the whole card. The energy cards, with their vibrant, solid colors, are especially good for this.
• Custom Items: Decorate deck boxes, binders, or even a tabletop with a collage of your favorite bulk cards. A layer of mod podge or resin will seal them in and create a durable, unique finish.
• 3D Layered Cards: This is a bit more advanced, but the results are stunning. Find several copies of the same card and carefully cut out different elements from each one. Then, layer them with small foam spacers to create a 3D effect. That Bidoof has never looked so majestic!

Donate Your Bulk

Feeling generous? Your mountain of cards could be a treasure trove for someone else. Many places would be thrilled to receive a donation of Pokémon cards:

• Local Hospitals and Children’s Charities: A pack of Pokémon cards can bring a huge smile to a child’s face.
• After-School Clubs and Libraries: These organizations are often looking for ways to engage kids, and a “Pokémon Club” is a surefire hit.
• Local Game Stores: Some stores have programs where they give free cards to kids who are just starting to learn the game.

Just imagine your unwanted bulk sparking the same joy in a new, young collector that you felt when you first started. It’s a guaranteed critical hit of kindness.

Sell Them as Bulk

Let’s be real, sometimes you just want to clear the space and make a little cash back. Selling your cards as bulk is a perfectly valid option. You won’t get rich, but you can get a decent amount to fund your next TCG purchase.

You can typically sell bulk to your local game store or online through platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. The rates vary, but they are usually priced per 100 or 1000 cards. To get the best price, it’s a good idea to sort your cards by type (Pokémon, Trainer, Energy) beforehand. You might also find that some stores offer a slightly better rate for Japanese Pokémon cards, so it’s worth asking.

Complete a Master Set

For the truly dedicated collector, bulk can be the backbone of a mighty quest: completing a Master Set. A Master Set includes one of every single card from a specific expansion, including all the reverse holos. Those common and uncommon cards that you have dozens of? They are essential building blocks for this monumental task.

By sorting your bulk by set (you can find the set symbol on the bottom of the card – learn more about what the symbols on Pokémon cards mean here), you can see how close you are to completing a set. You might find you’re only a few cards away from finishing a recent expansion. This turns your pile of “junk” into a checklist of progress, a challenge to be overcome. It adds a whole new layer to your collecting journey.

So, the next time you look at that ever-growing pile of bulk, don’t see a problem. See a world of possibility. Whether you choose to play, create, donate, sell, or organize, your bulk is a resource waiting to be tapped.

Now go on, make that mountain move!